Erdogan personally checks Hagia Sophia's conversion into a mosque
Erdogan personally checked how Hagia Sophia is being converted into a mosque. Photo: britannica.com
On July 19, 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Hagia Sophia to check how the process of its transformation into a mosque is going, Interfax reports.
Photos of this visit were published by the Turkish leader’s administration.
Preparatory work is being done inside the Cathedral: special means will be installed in Hagia Sophia to cover the icons during prayers, and carpets will be placed on the floor.
The first Muslim service is expected to be held on July 24, with nearly 500 people taking part in it. It has not yet been announced whether the President of Turkey will be among the worshipers.
As reported by the UOJ, the EU spokesman Josep Borrell said earlier: the EU considers the decision of the Turkish authorities to convert Hagia Sophia in Istanbul from a museum into a mosque “regrettable”.
Read also
Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him
Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.
Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August
Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos
Students reflect on ministry and heritage during the final days of the transformative journey.
Estonian Government Passes New Law Against Orthodox Church
New legislation would force the Estonian Orthodox Church to cut its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This is depsite the fact that the Estonian Church has been autonomous since 1993.
Over 100 Souls Received Into the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
The Russian Orthodox Church's missionary efforts bear fruit in Zambia and Cameroon.
OCU and Uniates Conduct Joint Consecration for Military Church Construction
"Hierarchs" Dumenko and Greek-Catholic Chaplains Conduct Joint Rite